Printing-press.



No. 847.379. PATENTED MAR. 19, 1907.

- W. H. SMILEY.

PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION mum in. 1, 1905.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

No. 847,379. PATENTED MAR. 19. 1907. W H. SMILEY.

PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED AB. 7, 1906.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

No. 847,379. PATENTED MAR. 19, 1907. W. H. SMILEY. PRINTING PRESS.

APPLIOATIQE FILED 1A3. I, 1905.

No. 847,379. PATENTED MAR. 19, 1907. W. H. SMILEY. PRINTING PRESS.

APPLIOATIOI rmm nn. '1, 1005.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

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193 C mum "(I Noll PR No. 847,379. PATBNTBD MAR. 19, 1907.

W. H. SMILEY.

PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED HA3. 7, 1906.

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PATBNTED MAR. 19, 1907.

W. H. SMILEY.

PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR 7 1905 '1 sums-satin e.

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UNITED STATES PATE NT- OFFICE.

PRINTING-PRESS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented March 19, 1907.

-Applloatlon filed March 7. 1905. Burial No- 248,821.

To n././ w/mm it may concern..-

Be it known that l, Wnmmu ll. SMILEY, of Niles, in the county of Trumbull and-St ate of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Printing-Presses; and I do hereby declare the followin f to be a full, clear, and exact description of t to invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to wltich it appertains to make and use the h'llllH.

This invention relates to that class of printing-presses havtn means for conveying the stock therethrough and effecting a perfect register between the stock and the eonve ving menus before the latter takes hold, the press embraced by Letters Patent of the United States, No. 778,338, issued to Inc on the 27th of December, 1904. being an exemplilieation of that type.

The objects of the present invention are, t'rst, to provide improved means for effectiug the register between the stock and the grippers before ithe latter take hold; seeoudly, to provide for automatically removing the stop-gages as the stock is taken up by the grippers: thirdly. to provide a new form of gripper-bars and means for operatiug and closing the grippers: fourthly, un-

roved means for overcoming friction between the stock and the feed-table, so as to permit the former to be readily moved to position; lifthl v, to generally improve the construction and promote the elheiency of this style of printin "'08s.

The invention wi l be hereinafter fully set forth, and partieularlv pointed out in the claims.

in the aeeompau viug drawings, Figure l is a view in perspeetive of a press em iodying my improvements. Fig. 2 is a side elevation. Fig. 3 is a similar view from the opiosite side of the press. Fig. 4 is an enarged side view, with parts in section. showing a gripper-bar when moved to register. Fig. 5 is a view of the same parts with one set of sprocket-wheels lowered to allow the approaching gripper-bar to clear the feedtable, the other position of such wheels being indicated in dotted lines. Fig. 6 shows in perspective the means for trip )ing the grippers. Fig.7isaplatn'iew,wit partsbroken away, of one of the gripper-bars and chain. l i 's. 8 and l) are cross-sectional views of a gripper-bar, the gripper being closed in the former and open in t to latter. Fig. 10 is an end elevation of the same. Fig. 11 shows in ;perspective the feed-table, the stops, and i actuating means therefor. Figs. 12 and 13 1 are side views, )artly in section, showing the stop-gages in tfl'erent positions. F i 14 is I an enlarged sectional view of the feed-table. 1 Fig. 15 shows in perspective the press-actuattng mechanism. Pig. 16 is a transverse sectional view of the mechanism on the chainshaft b v \vhichpower is conununieated therei to. l ig. 17 is a detail thereof. i view of the platen removed. The press to which the present improvements are applicable embodies an endless 1 eouveyer traveling in one direction and carrying grippers, the eonveyer being temporarilv arrested to allow a perfect register to he eil'eeted between the. stock and the gripions, the stock being moved to register before the grippers close thereon.

In my before-noted patent the feed-table was shown as pivoted to permit the grippers to pass forwardly thereof and then upon a slight retrograde movement to register there.- with, the table being by that time in its lowered normal osition. By my ircsent improvements t 1e feed-table remains stationary; but the grippers are permitted to clear the latter by the tem iorary lowering of one set of sprocket-wheels, by which the conve ver-ehains are carried. As soon as the grippers are forward of the feed-table their travel is arrested and they are. then iven a slight retrograde movement to bring the grippers into register with the stock positioned on the feed-table. At the same time i depending stop-gages are antonnttically elevated, so as to permit of the free passage of the stock.

According to my present improvements .1 em lo v means for msuring a dwell at the liunts of travel of the type-bed and which provide for the rapid movements thereof between such dwells.

Referring to the drawings, 1 designates the stationary frame, and 2 the carrier-casting mounted on inclined guideways thereof, so as to be capable of being slid back and forth such casting earryin at its lower inner out the type-bed 3, which moves toward and away from platen 4. The latter consists of a rectangular frame resting on stops 5 and removably secured to its bed by pivoted books 6, engaging osts7of the platen-frame. (See Fig. 18.) fly this means I atn enabled to readily remove the aten in the preparation of the make-rest y. The stock-holding Fig. 18 is a ICS llC

fingers 8, extending over" the face of the platen, are mounted on a rocking rod 9, su ported by arms 10, pivoted at 12 and held in their normal positions by a latch 13. (See Fig. 2.) By pivoting these arms the holdingfingers and their supporting-rod may be readily moved out of the way to ernut of the removal and insertion of the p aten. The rod 1) may be actuated by any suitable means.

The t ype-bed casting 2 has a cross-shaft 14, on the ends of which are fitted links 15, wh ch at their lower forward ends engage cams mounted on a shaft 16, supported by frame 1. 'lbrough this connection the ty )e-bed is iven its reciprocation by the rcvo ution of its shaft 14. Fe one of these cams the throwoff lever 17 is connected. (See Figs. 1 and 2. The reciprocation of carrier .2 is effected by an elliptical gear-wheel i8, meshing with an eccentric gear-pinion 19, whose short shaft 20 is supported by cranked arms 21, (see Fig.

15,) secured at their upper ends to shaft 14 and at their lower ends loose on the main operating-shaft '22, which shaft carries the flywheel 23. (Shown in dotted lines, Fig. 3.) On the short shaft 20 is a gear-wheel 24, which meshes with a pinion 25, fast on shaft (See Fig. 15.) By means of the elliptical gear-wheel and the eccentrieally-mounted gear-pinion I am enabled to insure a firm imprint of the type and secure great force on the impression, and thereby squarely emboss the type on the stock, obtaining also a dwell m the movement not only at the time of the imprint, but also when the type-bed is at the limit of its outward movement, during which latter )eriod the inkingof the type iseflected. A further advantage resides in the fact that by means of this construction an accelerated motion is obtained durinr the extremes of movement, thereby enab mg me to secure rapid operation of the press, the time consumed m the dwells being lnore than compensated by the rapidity of motions imparted to the type-bed; but this feature of my invention is embraced by an apglication for patent, Serial No. 200,304, filer )eeember 5, i905.

26 designates two sprocket-chains engagin' at suitable points several sets of sprocketw reels 2?. (See Figs. 1, 4, and 5.) The upper outermost set (desi 'nated 28) is mounted on a shaft 2!), supportc by two arms 30 fast on a rock-shaft 31, said rock-shaft carrying a central arm 32, which is engaged by cam 33, loosely locked to shaft 34, (see Fig. 4,) whereon the lower outermost set of sprocketwheels 27 is also mounted. Periodically cam 33 depresses arm 32,so as to rock sha t 31 sufliciently to lower the shaft 29 and move the sprocket-wheels thereon a short distance from their normal position, as shown in Fig. 5. When the proud portion of cam 33 has passed from arm 32, a spring or springsv 35 will instantly return the parts to their'normat positions, replacing shaft 29 in the grooves 36 of a stationary subframe, all jar being obviated by a dash-pot 37, secured to arm 32. (See Fig. 4.) For the purpose of taking up slack in the chains, especially during the shifting of shaft 29, the shaft 37 of the up er innermost set of sprocket-wheels is yieldingly sup orted, being mounted in arms 37", pivote to the frame, and held in its normal positions by spring 37". chains 26 carry gripper-bars 33, which as they rise on the return or outermost fli ht. of the chains and begin to travel forward pass beneath a stationar feed-table 39. As shown in Fig. 4 the chains normally occupy a position in close relation to the forward ed e of the feed-table; but when the shaft .29 is lowered from its normal position suflicient space is provided to permit the gripper;bars to clear the edge of the feed-table. By the time a gripper-bar is forward of such feedtable shaft .29 is returned to its normal position with the gripper-bar immediately in advance of the edge of the table. 'lhereupon shaft 34 is given a slight reverse motion, so as to impart a retrograde movement to chains 26 sullieiently to bring the contiguous gripper-bar into register with the stock. This movement is effected by a rod 40 (see Fig. 3) engaging the shoulder of a cam -H,fast on shaft 34, said rod being actuated by a cam 4*. on a shaft 43. This latter shaft carries a large gear-wheel 44, which meshes with pinion .25 of the main shaft 2'2. (See Fi 15.) The cam 33 is formed with a shoulder with which the end of arm 32 enga es as the roud ortion of the cam clears sueli arm, Stll( cam raving a slight axial play or loose movement to permit of the retrograde movement and at the same time avoid all jar or strain. (See Fig. 4.) in other words, the key of the shaft fits in a way or groove of greater length than the width of the key so that the cam will momentarily remain idle while the shaft is being rotated in a reverse direction, the cam being caused to again travel with the shaft when the key agam engages one of the ends of the way.

Motion is transmitted to the conveyerchains by the reciprocation of a rack-bar 4 5, engaging a gear-pinion 46, loosely mounted on shaft 34 and arranged to lock therewith and effect the rotation thereof when the rackbar is moved in one direction and to permit of the return of such rack-bar without affecting such shaft. The rack-bar is connected by a rod to a longitudinally-slotted link 47, pivoted at its lower end to frame 1, the slot of said link receiving the )ill of a crank 48, fast on shaft 43. The revo ution of this shaft effects the reciprocation of the rack-bar, and as the crank reaches the lower limit of its travel, with its in innnediatelv above and close to the pivo ed and of the link and starts on its upstroke, an immediate shifting, of such link is effected, thereby withdrawing the rack-bar and turning gear-pinion 46 without 0 crating shaft 34. It is at this time that t re retrograde movement is im arted to the conveyor-chains. It is manifest that any suitable means may be employed for forming this clutch connection between gear-pinion it) and shaft 34; but I have shown for this purpose. Figs. 16 and 17, a notched wheel 49, fast on shaft 34, and a spring-pressed pawl 59, mounted on a disk 51, keyed to the hub of gear-pinion 46, the latter being loose on said shaft.

Each gripper-bar 38 has along its upper surface a longitudinal dovetailed rib 52, wherein is formed a nearly-circular groove to accommodate a long rod 53 of approximately corresponding formation in cross-section, such rod being shown as projecting slightly beyond the up )er face of the rib. (See Figs. 7 to 10.) This ro has a flattened surface which is normally faced upward, so that when turned axially its side will engage and elevate the spring- 'grippers 54, and yet when given a reverse motion will allow such grippers to return to their normal closed positions. Each gripper is preferably formed of a spring-plate secured at one end and free at its other, which latter is bent to conform to the top surface of the gri per-bars, against which it is designed to liold the stock. Each ripper is mounted in a block 55,.which is he d by screws 56, by loosening which the grippers may be adjusted to any desired point. The rod 53 has its hearings in blocks 57 at the ends of plates 38.

As each 'ripper-bar is brought into position in IN vance of the edge of the feedtable its several rippers are open, the actuating-rod 53 t iereof having previously been given a quarter-turn at the time of the delivery of the stock. As the gripper-bar is moved to register the rod 53 is returned to its normal position, allowin v the grippers to close down on and hold t to projectin edge of the stock. For this purpose a sum crank-arm 58 is mounted on one end of each rod 53, and just at the time when the grippers are in position to engage the stock a vertically-disposed rod 59 is forced u )wardly, so as to strikethc crank-arm58, and thereby turn the gripper-actuating rod 53 to allow the grippers to close. This rod 59 (see Fig. 6) is acted on by a lag 60, extendin v from the hub of gear-pinion 46. Inasmuc 1 as lug 60 must contact with rod 59 when ear-pinion -16 is being moved to actuate siaft 34, at which time no gripper-bar is in position to be acted upon by red 59, the latter is slightly cranked at its lower end to permit of its )eing turned axially by in 60, so as to allow the latter to pass, such IOt resuming its normal position under the action of a spring 61. When gear-pinion 46 is given its reverse motion, lug 60, which is then immediately below the end of rod 59, upon engaging with the end of such rod will elevate the latter sufficiently to cause it to contact with crank-arm 58 and effect the turnin of the gripper-actuating rod 53, so as to al ow the gri pers to close down on the stock, the gripper-)ar having by that time been moved to register with such stock, since before the rod 59 is so moved the necessary retrograde movement has been imparted to 'the convever-chains.

It will be seen that the lug 60 will raise rod 59 only when pinion 46 is moved in one direction and will move the rod to one side when the pinion is turned in the opposite direction.

As pointed out in my before-noted patent, the sheet is carried forward by the grippers down over platen 4, and as the next sueceeding gripper-bar is moved to register the former is moved to register with stops 62 at the lower end of the platen. Thus not only is the stock moved to register by the grippers before being caught by the latter, but it is by the same retrograde movement of the c iains also moved to perfect register on the )laten while still retained by the grippers. in traveling over the platen the gripper-bars are held out of en'agement therewith by small rollers 62" on fhe under sides of blocks 57, the grippers being free to move. to re 'ister with stops 62 as soon as such roliers pass off the platen. As a gripper leaves the platen and approaches the return flight the stock mav be released by any suitable means for effecting the quarter-turn of the gripperactuating rod 53. For this )urpose l have shown a switch 63. (See l ig. 4.) Upon thus openin r the grippers the stock will fall onto a suitalile receiving board or table. (Not shown.) Thus as the griners travel tnwardly toward the feed-tabfe they are held open ready to receive stock their closing being automatitmlly effected by rod 59, as before noted.

(H designates stationary guides for bolding the stock closely to its proper horizontal position to be engaged by t ie grippers, such guides being adjustable transversely of the table on a stationarv cross-rod (55. (See Fig. 1].) Immediately adjacent these stationary guides is a series of stop-gages ()6. which normally rest on or in close juxta )osition to the dehvery edge of the feed-table, so as to arrest the stock as it is placed in position on the latter. These stop-gages are mounted on a cross-rod 67, movable vertically in bearings 68. As a grip er-bar is elevated into position immediate y forward of the feed-table the blocks 57 thereon engage fingers 69, de ending from rod 67, thereby elevatin the utter and raising the gages 66 out of tie way, permitting the stock to be gripped. (See Fr. 12.) As the rod 67 is elevated it is caugiit by books 70, dependin from a rock-shaft 71, and by such books held llO out of the way until the stock has cleared the feed-table. Thereupon a cam 72 on shaft 34 will engage the roller in the lower end of a rod 73, which is connected at-its upper end to a crank-arm 74 on such rock-shaft and effect the turning of the latter sufficiently to disenage hooks from rod 67, permitting the l atter to lower and place the stop-gages 66 in their normal position. This cam 72 may be adjusted axially of shaft 34, according to the size of the stock being printed, so as to regulate the time at which the stop-gages will be lowered. For this purpose I have shown the cam equipped with a pin 75 for entering any one of a series of recesses 76. (See Fig. l 1.) ln this way the gages may be dropped approximately at the close of the passage of the stock thereunder, whether the same. be lom or short, and the feeding may be continuetT without loss of time. The two lingers 6!) are guided in their up and down movements by side. pieces 77.

The feed-table 3!) is refcrably stepped--- that is to say, is formed with graduated cutouts 78, with which conform the side-register plate 79. (See Figs. 11 and 14.) This plate 7.) is adfustably mounted on a bar 80, which is periodicallymoved longitudinally, so as to bring the Si( e register 7!) into engagement with the edge of the stock. By reason of the stepped arrangement the stock when on the table will rest against the edge of the wall of each cut-out, so as to )revent it from adhering closely to the feetf-table, thereby avoiding friction and insuring engagement therewith of the side plate 79, preventing the edge of the stock from getting in under the edge of the plate. The bar is flush with the top surface of the table, being fitted in a groove thereof. At one end it is connected to a short lever 81, having a transverse. slot 82 in its lower end, which latter is secured by a thumb-screw 83 to the slotted end 84 of avertically-movable rod 85, which is periodically raised by a cam 86 on shaft 34. When it is desired to effect the side register from the ri ht-hand side of the stock, plate 79 is transferred and the connection between the slotted ends of lever 81 and rod 85 is shifted to the other side of the center of the slotted end of the former, so that each time rod H5 is acted on by cam 86 bar 80 will be pulled to the left insteadof being pushed to the right,

according to the arrangementshownin Fig. 11.

l have not described the means for actuating the ink-fountain or for inking the type, since it is manifest that any suitable arrangement may be employed for this )urpose. l. have indicated in Figs. 1, 2, an( 3 a stocksupporting table 87, which may be periodically elevated by foot-treadle 88; but as this forms no part of my present invention further reference thereto is unnecessary.

In 0 oration the stock is laced on the fe'ed-tafile either by hand or y machinery,

being retained byfingers 64, and rests against the removable gages 66, the side register being effected by the shifting of bar 80. As a gripper-bar comes in front of the table the c mve ver-chains are given their slight retrograde movement, effecting a perfect register with the stock before gripping it. There.- upon the grippers close down upon and hold the stock by the rod 59 striking the crankarm 58 of the gripper-actuating rod. As the gripper came into place the gages 66 were elevated out of the way by fingers 69, being engaged by the bearing-blocks 57. By the time. the grippers have engaged the stock the rack-bar 45 is again starting on its forward stroke, causing pinion 46 to effect the rotation of shaft 34. As the rollers 62 clear the platen the next following grip er-bar is brought to register with a secom sheet on the feed table, and at the same time the first gripperbar is moved to register with the stops of the platen, and when the conveyor-cliains again start forward the grippers carry the stock until they are opened by the action of switch (33 on crank-arm 58, remaining in that position until again brought into register with another sheet. In each operation the type make a firm imprint upon the stock, owing t the dwell allowed in the n'iovement of the type-bed, while. the return and forward movements of such bed are at a colnparatively rapid speed because of the employment of the elliptical and eccentric gears.

l elalm as my invention 1. In a printing-press, in combination, a feed-table, grippers, a convcyer therefor movable beneath and forward of said feed-table, and means for temporarily shifting the conveyer to allow the grippers to clear said foodtable as they pass forward thereof.

.2. in a printing-press, in combination, a feed-table, grippers, conveyer-chaius there for, several setsof sprocket-wlieels with which said chains engage, and means for shifting the position of one set of said wheels to lower said chains as a gripper passes beneath and forward of the feed-table.

3. in a printing-press, in combination, a feed-table, grippers, mnwever-ehains therefor, several sets of sprociet-wheels with which said chains engage, means for shifting the position of the shaft of one setof sprocketwheels, and a flexible support for the shaft of another set of sprocket-wlmcls for taking up any slack in the chains.

4. The combination with the feed-table, and a stationary frame, of the grippers, conveyerchains therefor, several sets of sprocket-wheels with which said chains engage, means eonnceted to the shaft of one set of s rocket-wheels for shifting the position of the after, pivoted arms depending from said frame supporting the shaft of another set of sprocket-wheels, and springs acting on such latter shaft, as set forth.

5. The combination with the feed-table, of the grippers, conveyor-cha-ins therefor, sev eral sets of sprocket-wheels with which said chains engage, a rock-shaft, arms secured thereto supporting the shaft of one set of sprocket-wheels, means for actuating the s raft of another set of sprocket-wheels for imparting motion to the conveyer-c-hains, a cam carried by such shaft, and an arm on such rock-shaft with which said cam is designed to engage for shifting the position of the shaft supported by the arms of said rockshaft, as set forth.

6. The combination with the feed-table, of the grippers, conveyor-chains therefor, several sets of sprocket-wheels with which said chains engage, a rock-shaft, arms secured thereto supporting the shaft of one set of sprocket-wheels, springs bearing against said arms, means mounted on the shaft of another set of sprocket-wheels comprising a gearwhcel designed to interlock with and effect the movement of such shaft when moved in one direction and a reciprocating rack-bar engaging said ear-wheel, a cam carried by said latter sha t, and an arm on said rockshaft with which said cam on ages.

7. The combination with t 10 fetal-table, of the grippers, conveyer-chains therefor, several sets of sprocket-wheels with which said chains engage, means for actuating the shaft of one set of sprocket-wheels for imparting motion to the conveycr-clrains comprising a gear-wheel and a longitndinally-reciprocatmg rack-bar meshing therewith, said gear-wheel operating said shaft when moved in one direction, tlllt means for engaging such shaft for impartin a retrograde movementto said chains w 10 such shaft is not being actuated by said gear-wheel.

S. The combination with the feed-table, of the grippers, conveyor-chains therefor, several sets of sprocket-wheels with which said chains engage, means for actuating the shaft of one set of sprm-ket-whcels forimparting motion to the conveyer-chains com irising a gear-wheel designed to interlock wit 1 and effect the movement of such shaft when moved in one direction, and a reciprocating rack-bar engaging said gear-wheel, a rotary shaft-for actuating said rack-bar, a cam on the said sprocket-wheel shaft, and a rod actuated by said rotary shaft for engaging said cam and impartin a retrograde movement to said chains wlien said sprocket-wheel shaft is not being actuated by said gear-wheel.

f). The combination with the feed-table, of the grippers, conveyor-chains therefor, several sets of sprocket-wheels with which said chains engage, means for actuating the shaft of one set of sprocket-wheels for imparting motion to the eonveyer-chains comprising a gear-wheel designed to interlock with and effect themovomentof said shaftwhen moved in one direction and a reciprocating rack-bar engaging said gear-wheels, a rock-shaft supporting the shaft of another set of sprocketwheels, said rock-shaft having an arm, a cam on the first-mentioned sprocket-wheel shaft. for engaging such arm, a second cam on such shaft, a rod for engaging such latter cam for imparting a retrograde movement to such chains, and a rotary shaft for actuating said rod and said rack-bar, as set forth.

It). In a printin -press, the combination with a feed-table, o a series of gripper-bars, conveyor-chains for the latter, means for operating such chains, means for imparting a retrograde movement thereto for effecting a register between a gripper-bar and stock on such feed-table, each gripper-bar having a series of grippers and a rod passed longitudinally of each gripper-bar beneath the grippers for effecting the opening and allowing the closing of the latter, and means for partially turning such rod to close the grippers after they have registered with the stock, as set forth.

ll. In a )rint ing-)ress, the combination with the feet -table,of a series of gripper-bars, conveycr-clmins for the latter, means for operating such chains, means for impartin a retrograde movement thereto for effecting the register between a gripper-bar and stoc on such feed-table, each gripper-bar having a series of grippers, a rod for effecting the o )0- ing and closingof suchgrippers,such rod taving a crank-arm at one end, a vertically-movable rod for engaging such crank-arm for effeetitn the closing of the gri )pers, and means or operating such vertical y-movable rod, as set forth.

IL. The combination with the feed-table, of the grippers, conveycr-clniins therefor, several sets of sprocket-wheels with which said chains engage, means for actuating the shaft of one set of sprocket-wheels com irising a gear-wheel designed to interlock with and effect the movement of such shaft when moved in one direction and a reciprocating rack-bar engaging said gear-wheel, means engaging said shaft for im mrting a retrograde movement to said chains when said gear-wheel is not acting thereon, each gripper-bar having a series of grippers and a rod for actuating the latter, a crank on one end of such rod, a vertically-movnble rod for engaging such crank, and means carried by said gear-wheel for operating said vertically-movable rod, as set. forth.

lit. The combination with the conveyorchains and means for o mating the latter, of the gripper-bars carrie by said chains, a series of gri )pers adjustably mounted on such l)ars,.caci gripper (-UllSlSfill' of a springplate desi nod to be raised and lowered at one end. a I()( extended longittalinally of each gripper-bar beneath the grippers, and means for turning such rod for effecting the opening and closing of the grippers.

14. The combination with. the eonveyerchains and means for operating the latter, of.

the gripper-bars carrier by. said chains, having longitudinal grooves in their up er surfaces, a series of grippers consisting 0 springplates secured at one end and free at the other. rods located in said grooves, said rods when turned axially in one directioneflceting the opening of said grippers and when turned in the opposite direction allowing of the 010sing thereof, and means for acting on said rods.

15. The eombination-with a printing-press having a stationary platen,.of a series of'gripper-bars, chains therefor, means for operating said chains, stops on said platen with which said gripper-bars are designed toregister, means for imparting a retrograde movement to said chains, and rollers carried by said gripper-bars for holding the latter out of engagement with the platen in their travel thereover.

16. .In a printing-press having a feed-table, a series of gripper-bars, conveyers therefor, a series of stop-gages sus )ended vertically above said table at the delivery end thereof. and means designed to be engaged by said gripper-bars for moving said gages out of the way to permit of the passage of stock engaged by the grippers.

17. In a printing-press having a feed-table, a series of gripper-bars, conveyors therefor, a series of stop-gages sus )0l\(l0(l vertiealhf above said table at the deiiverv end thereof, means designed to be engaged by said gripper-bars for elevating said gages out of the. way to permit of the passage of stock, means for temporarily holding said gages elevated, and means for releasing such latter means for lowering of the gages, the timing thereof conformiin to the size of the stock.

13. iii a printing-press having a feed-table,

a series of gripper-bars, eonvevers therefor, a

series of stop-gages suspended above said table at the debverv end thereof, a verticallymovable cross-rod from which said gages depend, means connected to said cross-rod designed to be engaged by said gripper-bars for elevating said gages out of the way, means for temporarily holding said gages when elevated, aml means for releasing the last-mentioned means, as set forth.

H). The combination with the feed-table, of the vertically-movable cross-rod, a series of stopages depending from said cross-rod, means or elevating the latter, a rock-shafthaving hooks designed to engage and hold said cross-rod in its elevated iosition, and means for acting on said roek-s haft to effect the release of said cross-rod, as set forth.

20. In a printing-press having a feedtable, a series of ripper-bars and conveyors therefor, a vertica ly-movable cross-rod, a series of stop-ga es dependin from said crossrod and norma ly in close reFa l l l l ery end of said feed-table, fingers depending from said cross-rod designed to be engaged by said gripper-bars as they are located in front of said feed-table, such en agement effecting the raising of said cross-rod pivoted hooks designed to engage and hold said crossrod in its raised position, and means for releasing said hooks from said cross-rod.

21. The combination with a feed-table, of a series of gripper bars, conveyer chains therefor, several sets of sprocket-wheels with which said chains engage, means for engaging the shaft of one set of sprocket-wheels for operating said chains, a cam adjustably mounted on such shaft, a vertically-movable eross-rod-mounted above said table havinga series of depending stop-gages and depending fingers, said cross-rod being elevated whensaid in ers are engaged by a gri perbar, a roek-siaft, hooks dcpendin tierefrom for holding said cross-rod when elevated, a crank-arm on one end of said rockshaft, and a rod connected to said crankarm designed to be acted on by said cam.

22. A feed-table having stepped cut-outs in its top transverse to the line of travel of the stock which latter is designed to contact with the edges of the walls of the several cutouts.

23. A feed-table having stepped cut-outs in its upper surface, each cut-out having an upright wall with the edge whereof the stock is designed to engage when positioned on the table a side-registering late movable transversely of said table, ant means for actuating the same.

24. A feed-table having stepped cut-outs in its upper surface, each cut-out havingan upright wall with the edge whereof the stock is designed to engage when positioned on the table a side-registering plate having a series of cut-outs in its lower edge to conform to said table, and means for operating such plate.

2". The combination with the feed-table, of the lon itudinally-movable bar set in the upper surface thereof, a side-registering device carried by said bar, a lever secured to one end of said bar having a transverse slot in its lower end, a vertically-movable rodhaving a slot in its upper end, means for securing such end to'the slotted end of such lever, and means for actuating said red, as set forth.

.26. In a printing-press, the combination of a supporting-frame, a platen, a traveling conveyer adapted to conduct the sheets to be printed over said platen, printing mechanism, means for o crating said printing mechanism to print t 1e sheet on the platen, means for o erati'n said conveyer, and clastic tension c evices or said conveyor.

27. In -a printingmress, the combination of a supporting-frame, aplaten, a traveling tion tothedeliveonveyer adapted to conduct sheets over said platen, said conveyer being composed In testimony whereof I have signed this of link belts, sprocket-wheels upon which specification in the presence of two subscnb- 10 said belts are ada ted to travel; rockin suping witnesses.

ports upon whic said sprocket-whee s are carried, printing mechanism, means for op- WILLIAM SMILEX' crating said rinting mechanism to print Witnesses: the sheet on t e platen, and spring-tension MARY E. MoLEY, devlces for said rocking supports. R. Wmss. 

